psychiatric technician

therapist

registered nurse

sous chef

housekeeper

Pasadena Villa

I have worked at SML for a year and a half as a clinical therapist. I will first note that if you are a new therapist seeking to work with diagnoses across the board, SML is the place to be. SML is a rare RTC in that it is primary mental health focused and takes a wide variety of insurance. I did not have any experience in working with insurance prior to working as a therapist at SML and I have learned more about the American healthcare system (the good, bad, and ugly) than I ever thought I would. Working here has taught me how to advocate for my patients and 

THIS WORK IS NOT EASY. Period. Full stop. There are different challenges every single day to overcome. This job will force you out of your comfort zone and humble you daily, so it is of dire importance to be flexible and open minded. COMMUINCATION IS ESSENTIAL. Leadership has an open-door policy and I have been extremely privileged to form relationships with leadership in every department. That is how you become successful in this job. Leaderships WANTS feedback, which is rare in my experience and such a blessing. No one is immune to having growth points and every single staff member I have worked with is willing to step in and help out in any way they can in order to provide support not only for the residents, but especially for staff. 

YOU MUST BE TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO. 
This is probably the most beautiful thing about working for SML-- the passion for the work is there, not only for the residents, but passion to provide an empathetic and compassionate work environment. There have been times when I have tried to be superhuman, but alas, I am not and fun fact: I'm not expected to be. It is  HIGHLY encouraged to prioritize taking care of YOU. Leadership does not want you to pour from an empty cup and wants you to communicate your needs. I have seen this beautiful team step up for me in ways that I did not know could be possible in a work environment. If you are anything at SML, you are valued. And if you're not feeling that way, SPEAK UP, because there isn't a single staff member who wants anyone to feel unsatisfied or unfulfilled in their role. 

All jobs have their pros and cons, their good days and bad days, and every week brings a new challenge. But at SML, the desire to grow and provide a happy and safe work environment takes priority. Communicate your needs, ask questions, and lead with optimism. SML will provide you every opportunity imaginable to succeed in your career as a therapist. 

The surrounding, outdoor environment is definitely a positive!  The Stables; nestled in the northeast  mountain section of Sevierville TN serves individuals in the area and from other states; from as far as California to the Eastern Coast of our Great United States.  A typical day; starting at the break of dawn, consists of greeting the residents as they wake up, get ready for their day and participate in many, various group sessions - staff lead and peer led.  Medications and breakfast, chores and self-care begin the day for our clients.  Staff led, morning check-in group session starts our day off (45 minutes) which then leads the clients and staff member(s) up to the best part of the entire day; Animal Assisted Therapy!  Led by an experienced Animal/Client Therapist and our pleasant, cheerful Barn Staff.  Clients spend time learning how interaction between animals (horses, goats, and humans have long-term benefits for their physiological well being.  Individual/Group therapy sessions, with our in-house therapist is also a part of our client's daily agenda.  It's fun to "whip up" a healthy and delicious lunch/dinner and see how much it is appreciated after long mornings and afternoons!  The best part of this is staff is also included and welcomed in the meal.  I can honestly say; "I am honored to be a valued employee of this fine establishment and look forward to many more years of serving".   Last but not least - Staff and Client outings (once a week) have ranged from go-carting, zip lining, theatre, swimming, bowling, mountain coasters to visiting the breath-taking , Great Smokey Mountains at spectacular mountain heights!  Staff participation is always encouraged - it's on the house!

A typical day at work for me consists of preparing and administration of medications, nursing intake for new admissions, discharging residents that have completed treatment, assisting providers with new orders or medication changes, and interacting with clients every chance that I have. I help coordinate care with outside providers and communicate frequently with concerned family members. 

Management is very supportive of staff and typically are open to ideas and suggestions to help improve care of the residents.  They are also very supportive of the personal and professional aspects of employees.

The hardest part of the job is that it is high paced and can be physically and emotionally tiring if you allow it to be.  It is difficult to step away from work sometimes because we care so much about the residents. 
Coming from many years of working in the ER and only seeing patients for brief stays, it is rewarding to see what an impact the staff and the environment have over a longer period of time. It can also be a bittersweet experience to see our residents leave the facility. We grow to care for them a great deal. 

Thus the most rewarding part is to see the growth of each and every resident, and to see that each of us can make a huge impact on the lives of others. 

This place is a nightmare. If you care anything about ethics, integrity and safety, don’t bother applying. They include Techs and Nurses together to make state required ratios. Staff is often put in dangerous situations and there is no security or enough staff to deescalate a hostile situation. It’s a psych facility that is unlocked and voluntary and because most are too acute for this level of care, they don’t let patients leave voluntarily. Patients can walk the property and often will just elope and staff is wondering around the mountain trying to locate them. Not good, especially during bear season. They will also discharge patients with no money and no plan after using all their deposit and insurance benefits. They only care about the money, not the patients. They are always understaffed because the environment is hostile and unsafe. Turnover is high. When census is low, you will be called off or sent home and be forced to use PTO to get your hours. Management is unsupportive and invisible. You will get maybe 3 days of training because they are so desperate for help that you will just be thrown into a job you have no idea how to do and will be working with the same. This includes all departments from Techs, Nurses and Therapists. You will be criticized and never celebrated, unless you are constantly stroking someone’s ego. Highly recommend applying somewhere else. 

I have been with this team for over two years now and I can say with absolute confidence that it has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I have grown and flourished in my career, leadership has been very intentional about developing my skill sets and supporting me, and my favorite thing in the world is being able to work with such passionate, kindhearted people who are mission motivated and driven to change lives on a daily basis. Throughout my tenure thus far, I have had some significant life events happen in my personal life and can tell you from my own experience that this company cares about their people. They are protective of your mental health and practice what they preach, so to speak. They have rallied around me and been in my corner to help me get through some hard personal challenges, and they have also always rallied in my corner to help me in my job as well. I get so much energy and joy from this team and the outstanding, ethical care they all are committed to providing to those in our care. The clinical product is top notch, leadership is visible, accessible and present, and employees are celebrated and appreciated more than any other job I’ve ever had in my 15 years working in behavioral health. 

Smoky Mountain Lodge creates a calm, serene environment beneficial for both clients and staff.  The location is beautiful, and every department works together to play a part in a person's healing.  The daily clinical and recreation groups are catered to individualized treatment with varied evidenced based treatment practices, the clinician's advocating and supporting their needs in all services provided.  The culinary department is sensitive to all dietary needs, and the food truly is amazing. Community meetings, concerns are available to address any needs, and they are discussed efficiently with management to promote changes. It is obvious there has been continued improvements in all areas improving workplace; Management and Leaders communicate all throughout the day to ensure clients are getting their care. It is very pleasurable to work with such caring people all around who enjoy what they do and want to do well!

A typical day at work:

As a Therapist my typical day at Smoky Mountain Lodge varies. Typically, I have one on one sessions with Clients or run group therapy sessions. Once a week we get to attend a coffee outing with Clients to assist in helping with any anxiety they may have in social situations.

What I have learned:

As a Therapist, I have learned that with the proper support, I have been able to confidentiality spread my wings and tackle new and exciting situations. I have also learned what it is like to be a member of the dream team. As a member of the dream team I have learned that I have support when needed, and I have found a group of work individuals that inspire me to reach for greatness daily.

Management:

The best part of management at SML is you are treated as an equal. You are offered support when needed, and you are made to feel comfortable when seeking help.

Workplace Culture:

Everyone is down to Earth. Easy to talk to. Our Administration coined the phrase it takes a villa. That is because we are a villia. We are truly a team.

Hardest Part Of My Job:

Seeing a Client that is unable to see the greatness within themselves.

Most Enjoyable Part Of My Job:

Watching a client meet their therapy goals and have a new outlook on life.

Working as a Behavioral Health Tech at Pasadena Villa Great Lakes has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. The company truly values its employees, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that enhances both personal and professional growth.

From the start, I was welcomed into a team that prioritizes compassion and dedication to client care. The training provided was comprehensive, equipping me with the necessary tools to effectively support our clients. I appreciate how management encourages open communication and values feedback, ensuring that every team member feels heard and appreciated.

One of the standout aspects of my role is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our clients. Every day presents new challenges and rewards, and I am proud to be part of a team that is committed to providing exceptional care. The camaraderie among colleagues also creates a positive work culture, making each day enjoyable.
If you are considering joining Pasadena Villa Great Lakes, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. It’s a place where your contributions matter, and you’ll find an environment that supports your journey in behavioral health.

Pros
-Competitive salary
-At least one meal per day included

Cons
-Management expectations
-High caseload
-Varying acuity (sometimes frightfully high--active suicadilty, active psychosis, severe self-harm)
-Lack of management support

Overall: The admissions department receive commissions on all residents they bring in, and as a for-profit venture corporate will not institute a waiting list. Thus, therapists are often asked to do more than is humanly possible in a 40 hour work week. 

For the past 6 months, the average caseload is 9 residents (with the range being 6-12), in addition to 5-6 group sessions per week. A therapist with over 2 years experience can relatively easily handle 6 residents with 4 groups per week, and with good organization and time management skills 7 residents and 4-5 groups is doable.

Management will commiserate with therapist and support staff regarding the high caseloads, but seems powerless to do anything meaningful to stem the tide. In the past 8 months, 8 therapists have left Pasadena Villa, including the program director and two assistant program directors.

I love the groups I get to do with the residents as well as the support I am able to provide them. The coworkers are the best ones I have had at any job and genuinely care about you and how you are outside of work. The days can be long, but it is very rewarding work watching the improvement of residents.  I feel supported by management and they are extremely helpful as I look to advance in my career. I would say the hardest thing about working here is making great friendships with the residents and then having to see them off once they finish the program, but this is also one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.  
The main downside is the clinical team has meetings and trainings over the lunch hour sometimes and that can cause the day to feel longer. 
We get free food and it is fantastic, not packing a lunch takes a whole lot of stress out of my mornings before work! 
For anyone looking to work here it requires flexibility but also a good understanding of your boundaries! 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Psychiatric technician 3 salaries reported	$19.00 per hour
Therapist 1 salary reported	$36.29 per hour
Registered nurse 16 salaries reported	$38.09 per hour
Sous chef 13 salaries reported	$16.00 per hour
Housekeeper 4 salaries reported	$15.50 per hour

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